Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), a defender of life.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining in this debate.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Hern), a defender of freedom, a defender of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg), another defender of life.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Bucshon), a doctor who understands what amazing technology is doing to save lives.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and another medical provider.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) who spent his life defending the voiceless.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks), who is another healthcare provider. Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks has worked hard to improve the lives of many throughout her career.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I would ask what about the marginalized Black and Hispanic babies who are more likely to be aborted? Abortion has had a disproportionate impact on minorities and individuals with disabilities. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), a health provider saving lives every day and a champion for life.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I don't know of any State laws that prevent birth control. Miscarriages are obviously a tragedy. The question before us today is on the legislation that would allow for abortion up until birth, 9 months. It is not the will of the American people; it is the extreme agenda of those that are promoting abortion. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie), the leader on the Health Subcommittee.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cammack), a dynamic example of life in her own testimony.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, to protect the helpless, most powerless, most innocent among us, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 8296, the abortion on demand until birth act. This is not about codifying Roe v. Wade. Why? Because it nationalizes abortion for all 9 months of pregnancy--all 9 months. This would make America as radical as China and North Korea. The abortion on demand until birth act would legalize discriminatory abortion based upon sex, race, and disability, including Down syndrome. It overrides State laws that protect women from coercion. It would weaken conscience protections to force pro-life doctors to perform abortions and end a life. This is especially frightening for pregnancy centers, faith-based providers, and medical professionals who are using amazing medical achievements in treating both mothers and their babies in the wombs as patients. We are doing prenatal heart surgery today in the United States of America. The abortion on demand until birth act has nothing to do with protecting the health of women. It has everything to do with forcing an extreme agenda on the American people. Rather than prey on women's vulnerabilities and fears and nationalize abortion for all 9 months, we should be coming together to support women and their families at every stage of pregnancy and beyond. Every mother matters. Seventy-six percent of women seeking abortions say they would choose life if their circumstances were different. The focus should be on how to change their circumstances, help them access the care and support that they need, and improve their lives. Presenting abortion up until birth as a woman's only option is a false choice. There are nearly 3,000 pregnancy centers in all 50 States. They outnumber Planned Parenthood by more than 2,000 facilities. These pregnancy centers, which are right now under violent attack by pro-abortion groups, provide medical care, resources, education, and mentoring to women. They must be protected, not undermined and threatened by an extreme abortion agenda. The Supreme Court has affirmed the American people's rights to speak through their elected officials and enact laws that protect unborn children. The question upon us today is: How are we going to respond? How is this body going to respond to the greatest human rights issue of our generation? That is the question. This is the human rights issue of our generation. Do not close your ears. Do not close your eyes. Do not close your heart. Is it by dehumanizing life and promoting a culture that destroys the weakest among us? Is that how we are going to do it? Or is it by making abortion unthinkable by leading a new era where every person's God- given, unalienable human right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all be the way we will define ourselves? Let's come together. Let's protect the human rights of the unborn. We cannot deny life to the most disadvantaged and marginalized among us. They have no voice to defend themselves. Madam Speaker, abortion for all 9 months is not the will of the American people. Madam Speaker, I urge opposition to H.R. 8296, the abortion on demand until birth act because all lives are worth living, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Eugene P. Shauvin, who was killed in action on September 17, 1944. Lt. Shauvin was a resident of Spokane, Washington. He was a brave young man, who selflessly sacrificed his life during World War II to defend freedom and defeat evil. Lt. Shauvin was only 25 years old when his aircraft was shot down en route to the Netherlands. Of the multiple service members aboard the plane, Lt. Shauvin was the only body unable to be identified and accounted for--until now. At long last, after 78 years of searching, Lt. Shauvin's remains have been recovered, identified, and returned home to his family. On July 23, 2022, he will finally be laid to rest. The repatriation of the lieutenant's remains took many years, but thanks to new technology and the tireless efforts of so many who worked hard to find him, Eugene has finally been brought back to American soil where he belongs. While the lieutenant had a long journey home, I pray his loved ones can find peace and closure after this decades-long search. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing 2nd Lt. Eugene P. Shauvin's extraordinary heroism and honoring his ultimate sacrifice, while also celebrating our commitment to ensuring no American is ever left behind.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Colfax, Washington. This small town in Eastern Washington is known for its productive farmland and family-oriented atmosphere. Colfax is also the county seat of Whitman County--the largest wheat producing county in America--and is a hub for wheat growers that feeds our region and people all around the world. The history of Colfax is a rich one with roots dating back to the late 1800s. First settled by James Perkins and Thomas Smith, the town was founded on July 10, 1870 and named after Schuyler Colfax, the 17th Vice President of the United States and 25th Speaker of the House of Representatives. Today, the town continues to thrive amidst the beautiful rolling hills and fertile countryside of the Palouse. Complete with a healthy quantity of history, opportunities, great education, family values, exciting culture, and so much more, it is without a doubt that wonderful things continue to grow in Colfax. As the representative in Congress for this one-of-a-kind town, I am so inspired by Colfax's heritage of family values. The families here understand the value of a hard day's work on the farm and the invaluable life skills and lessons that come with it. Parents give everything to prepare their children to pursue the American Dream, whether that is one day taking over the family business or graduating college and starting a new career. The people of Colfax truly embody what it means to be from Eastern Washington, and they make it one of the best places to live in the world. Madam Speaker, on this most special day, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Colfax's 150 years of remarkable history and celebrating their personification of the American spirit.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Pell Grant Program. Congress first enacted this program in 1972 to ensure all students would have the same access to higher education and opportunities for success, regardless of their income. Since then, the Pell Grant Program has evolved into the foundation of federal college assistance for students nationwide. It has become an essential tool for students in financial need to utilize in their pursuit of the American Dream, and it's working. Over the last 50 years, more than 80 million students--including 7 million currently--have received a Pell Grant to pursue opportunities in higher education nationwide. In Washington's 5th Congressional District alone, Pell Grants have helped more than 19,000 students pursue degrees at one of Eastern Washington's prestigious college institutions by providing an incredible $83 million in financial support during the 2020-21 academic year. The program has been especially impactful across the Washington State University system, where approximately 10,000 students received a Pell Grant to help pay for tuition. This program has changed the lives of so many in Washington and across the country. Many of these bright minds will go on to earn their degree and become the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and world leaders. All because this program gave them a chance that they may not have had 50 years ago. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating ``National Pell Grant Day'' today, June 23, and recognize both the students and successful graduates who have proved how special of an investment this program has become. Together, let us continue to teach our children that their circumstances do not define them, encourage them to chase their dreams, and celebrate this program that has provided support to so many.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, America is the envy of the world for our leadership in biomedical innovation. People from all over the world have an incredible amount of hope in the promise of our lifesaving, breakthrough research for more cures and treatments. That is why I have been a longtime supporter of NIH and projects like the BRAIN Initiative intended to speed scientific research necessary to accelerate cures for neurologic diseases. When the concept of ARPA-H was first proposed to me, I expressed a healthy dose of skepticism. First, I was concerned about a clear and targeted strategic mission. I was concerned an unfocused agenda would not be a recipe for success. The second was the issue of duplication. The Federal Government has several agencies that advance biomedical innovation. Within the National Institutes of Health alone, we already have the National Center for Advancing Translational Science, the Cures Acceleration Network, the Common Fund, and the Foundation for NIH's Accelerating Medicines Partnership Program, to name a few. Third, I was concerned that the creation of a new agency would lack sufficient transparency and oversight. My questions to supporters of ARPA-H included: How will projects be selected? How will the public be kept informed of projects and project funding? Who will be assessing for duplication of Federal programs, and how will it be managed? What measure will be used to define success? What are the guardrails to ensure that we are supporting American innovators? These concerns were validated earlier this year when the administration began implementing the $1 billion that was appropriated to set up ARPA-H with little to no congressional direction. The Biden administration proposed 14 offices within ARPA-H. DARPA has six to eight. They also placed ARPA-H within NIH, which has its own issues in lacking transparency and accountability related to federally funded research and the origins of COVID-19. We needed to ensure proper oversight and provide guardrails through congressional direction, so we plowed the hard ground necessary to legislate through the Energy and Commerce Committee. Chairman Frank Pallone and Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Anna Eshoo listened to my concerns. We had very productive negotiations to properly define ARPA- H's mission and place strong safeguards for transparency and accountability. This bill defines ARPA-H's mission so that it is laser-focused on high-risk breakthrough technologies in health and medicine that are not being addressed by the private sector or current Federal programs. This bill also prohibits Federal funding to China, Russia, and other recipients subject to malign foreign influence. It moves the agency back outside of NIH. We are also making sure ARPA-H sets the right priorities. The director must provide Congress with a strategic plan within 1 year of enactment and every 3 years on how ARPA-H will carry out projects. Projects will be evaluated every 18 months, and those not meeting milestones are expected to be terminated. We placed guardrails on ARPA-H to prioritize projects that provide the greatest return on investment to improve human health and lower healthcare costs. This bill also keeps the focus on lifesaving research. The director will have the power to hire and make appointments based on merit and expertise, not based on provisions that reward government bureaucrats. We require those who receive ARPA-H funding to provide a public itemized report on indirect facilities and administrative costs. To further cut down on duplication and mission creep, we limited the number of offices to 6, not the 14 proposed by the administration. Of those offices, at least four must be exclusively focused on R&D. In addition, not more than 15 percent of the total agency funding is allowed to go to administrative costs. Mr. Speaker, I will close by thanking my colleagues for working together on this. I especially recognize the leadership of Chairman Pallone, Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Eshoo, Health Subcommittee Republican leader Brett Guthrie, as well as the 21st Century Cures leaders Fred Upton and Diana DeGette. I am pleased we were able to come together. We put ARPA-H on the right path with a targeted mission, increased accountability and transparency, and a laser focus on promoting American innovators. It is a strong example of E&C's bipartisan record of success in moving legislation that will continue America's global leadership in biomedical research. Mr. Speaker, before I close, I want to applaud and thank the members of my team: Grace Graham, Kristen Shatynski, Seth Gold, Kristin Flukey, and Kristin Ashford. They say that Energy and Commerce has the best staff on the Hill, and that is certainly evident through their service to deliver hope and healing, both through this bill and through the package just before us with the mental health package. At every step of the way, I am grateful for their hard work and passion. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 5585, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health Act.